Any plumbers here? Help, leaking valve!

[I-Hate-Hulse]

So there's a brass T right after the main water shutoff / water meter. The T has a pressure gauge, and some sort of plastic "bell" off of it.

It's leaking from between the plastic bell and the 1st brass nut to the right of it. I've tightened it that 1st brass nut as much as possible but it's still leaking.

Any ideas? What is that plastic bell?

[calumniate]

Sounds like you're.... Under pressure!

[EVERLAST]

THATS CITY property if I am wrong i'll be shocked.

get them in there ASAP.....no charge

oh and say nothing about touching it.

[photon]

Google tells me that's a water pressure regulator.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=water+pressure+regulator

My knowledge of plumbing though is tightening is usually followed by replacing if tightening doesn't work.

[strombad]

Originally Posted by calumniate

Sounds like you're.... Under pressure!

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Thanks guys, at least I know what to call it when I talk to a plumber.

I just called 311 - as it's just after the meter (sorry, water flows upwards in my photo), it falls into my lap.

Googling tells me it's probably a replacement. It also tells me it's a mains pressure and to not fool around with it... <puts down the crescent wrench>

[Dynamic]

I'm guessing the diaphram inside the regulator has a hole in it, thus you have water on the adjustment side of the regulator.

[Rjcsjc62]

Yes it is a pressure reducing valve. Here is a link:

http://www.zurn.com/Pages/ProductDet...NodeKey=424788

From that link you can read over the 2 pdf files there. The spec sheet, and the install instructions.

If you open the parts diagram on the installation instructions you will see that the first brass nut (furthest right in your photo) is your "adjustment bolt". Or in other words, by tightening this bolt all you are doing is increasing the downstream pressure in the water lines. You are not fixing the leak.

This particular model (Wilkins BR4) of valve is discontinued. But parts are available. The replacement for this valve is NR3XL.

As for who is responsible I am unsure. My guess would be that anything downstream of the meter is your responsibility, but the poster above seems certain that it is the City. So best to ask the city first.

If you are responsible for the repair, You need to find a plumber and the model number above.

[Rjcsjc62]

I should add...

I don't think that gauge should be there except when adjusting the pressure range. I think it is supposed to be left open (and may be the root cause of your problem).

Also, in the installation instructions from that link, it specifically says not to bottom out the adjustment bolt. So yes walk away from the crescent wrench as you put it!

[Ducay]

For sure don't post a picture of it and where it is leaking from, that would make it too easy for people to help you

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Ducay

For sure don't post a picture of it and where it is leaking from, that would make it too easy for people to help you

Huh? I thought he did, but then I am no plumber.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Ducay

For sure don't post a picture of it and where it is leaking from, that would make it too easy for people to help you

Stop surfing from your phone?

[Ducay]

VPN blocking photo sites FTW. Doesn't even show up as blocked, just non existant pics.

Carry on then.

[Robbob]

Isn't 85 psi kind of high for water pressure?

[oilyfan]

Water pressure range is 35-100 psi. http://globalnews.ca/news/444367/hom...not-all-equal/

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Isn't 85 psi kind of high for water pressure?

I thought normal was 40 or 50.

that pex on that valve looks weird too.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

It is - crept up to 90 eventually. I think it's down to 70 after being fixed.

$285 if anyone is wondering. Valve replacement required. Plumbers are booked 2-3 days out in this city, but found someone that was able to squeeze me in.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I thought normal was 40 or 50.

that pex on that valve looks weird too.

How so? Looks like the type of PEX I've used in my place.